Scott Foresman Reading Street

Unit 1

Theme Launch

Discuss the Big Idea

As a class, discuss the Big Idea
question, When is money important,
and when does it affect our lives?

Explain how people use money to get what they need and to get what they want.

Ask students to give examples of
needs and wants. Have them explain
the difference between the two.

Good examples of needs people have are food, clothing, and shelter. Wants are those things that are above and beyond basic needs (video games, DVDs, jewelry, CD players, designer clothes).

Theme and Concept Connections

Weekly lesson concepts help students connect the reading selections and the unit theme. Theme-related activities throughout the week provide opportunities to explore the relationships among the selections, the lesson concepts, and the unit theme.

Unit Inquiry Project

Learning About Money

In the unit inquiry project, students
find out ways people earn, or get, the money they need to live. They may use print or online resources as available.

The project assessment rubric can
be found on p. 142a. Discuss the expectations before students
begin the project.

PROJECT TIMETABLE

WEEK ACTIVITY/SKILL CONNECTION
1		IDENTIFY QUESTIONS Students choose and browse a few Web sites or print reference materials to develop an inquiry question about how money is earned.
2		NAVIGATE/SEARCH Students conduct effective information searches and look for text and images that can help them answer their questions.
3		ANALYZE Students explore Web sites or print materials. They analyze the information they have found to determine whether or not it will be useful to them. Students print or take notes on valid information.
4		SYNTHESIZE Students combine relevant information they've collected from different sources to develop an answer to their inquiry questions from Week 1.
5		COMMUNICATE Each student prepares a list of useful resources for other classes who may wish to explore how money is earned. Students may also prepare presentations about how money is earned.

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

Boom Town

A pioneer girl works hard
to strike it rich.

HISTORICAL FICTION

What About Me?

A boy with no money tries
to buy knowledge.

FABLE

Alexander, Who Used
to Be Rich Last Sunday

Alexander isn't wise about
keeping his money.

REALISTIC FICTION

If You Made a Million

We can learn how money works.

NONFICTION

My Rows and Piles of Coins

A boy learns the importance of
saving for something special.

REALISTIC FICTION

Paired Selection

Mike’s Teaching
T-shirts

EXPOSITORY NONFICTION

Paired Selection

Ben Franklin’s
Little Words
to Live By

PROVERBS

Paired Selection

Tips for Saving
Money

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

Paired Selection

Money from
Long Ago

PICTURE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Paired Selection

Learning About
Money

WEB SITE


	Use the following selections to help students learn more about how money affects how people live.
	Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday Have students discuss how Alexander manages the money that is given to him. Explain that by spending his money foolishly Alexander is unable to reach his goal of owning a walkie-talkie. My Rows and Piles of Coins Have students discuss how Saruni manages the money he earns by helping his mother. Help students compare and contrast Alexander's and Saruni's approaches to managing their money and reaching their goals.